photo by: Mike Yoder

A City of Lawrence snow plow clears lanes at the intersection on Ninth and Massachusetts streets Thursday morning, Dec. 22, 2022.

Lawrence has entered a new Snow Plowing Era.

One lucky snow plow that will clear Treacherous roadways into Blank Spaces for drivers will be graced with the name Taylor Drift, after the city announced Friday that name was selected by the judging panel as the winner of the city’s 2024 Snow Plow Naming Contest

The city said in a press release that this year’s naming contest was a tremendous success, with more than 650 unique and imaginative name submissions received in just one week, with tributes and wordplay that showcased the creativity, humor and pride of Lawrence residents.

Melissa Sieben, the city’s Municipal Services and Operations director, said the response to the contest was “amazing” and she is thrilled with the numerous suggestions.

“This event brought our community together during the holiday season and gave everyone a chance to put their personal touch on the services that keep Lawrence running smoothly during winter,” Sieben said.

The name was submitted by several members of the community, including Katelynn Cale, Alex Hawman, AJ, Courtney Coffey, Debi Hollaway, Carson Loveless and Jason Keezer. After their Wildest Dreams of winning the naming contest, the city’s maintenance team will make a custom sign with their name to put on the snow plow, so residents will soon see Taylor Drift in action making sure the city’s streets are Clean.

Other potential names that just missed the cut were Scoop Dogg, Beyonce Snowles, Snow More Mr. Ice Guy, Clearopathra.

Maybe next year those names — or others — will have their chance to sign as the city said it will hold the contest again next year. No word yet on if it’s going to be Back (in) December.